[Yu0601]

Hi Everyone

I was wondering if anyone can share experiences of trying to study for the CPA exam while struggling with Depression, and while dealing with a horrible boss at work. I am a 29 year old female who work in the Tax dept. of a Big 4 firm and just started the CPA journey, I am scheduled to take FAR in February 2018. My depression was the result of a verbally abusive Partner who constantly screamed and berated me over a non-work related issues (sometimes in public coffee shops) over several months. Until having this person as my boss my work was going well but after that incident I developed physical illness, took a couple months off, and am back to work now while on anti-depressants. The company gave no real consequences for what he did for this Partner other than a “word of caution”, and being in the toxic office environment itself is making me depressed. Trying to study while working in this toxic environment is very challenging.

I cannot quit this company, due to financial reasons, and don’t have any family support emotional or financial. I thought the CPA would help me increase future options, perhaps in another company, and really want to obtain the License. Does anyone have any advice with dealing with such a situation?? I had done well in Accounting while in college, the problem is not the CPA materials itself but trying to take the exam while with Depression and having too much stress at work … Would really appreciate any advice as I am really struggling.

[Anthony]

Can't quit due to financial reasons? How much exactly are they paying you? Not exactly sure how long you've been there, but I'm sure if you look around hard enough you'll have no trouble finding another job with better pay and benefits with that big 4 experience under your belt. Trust me, there have been people without CPA jump to different jobs at another company with better pay and benefits.

AUD - 82
BEC - 80
FAR - 81
REG - 82

FAR - 74 first attempt

[Lentilcounter]

I agree with Anthony. You don't know need your CPA to find other employment. Find out exactly how much money you need to pay your expenses and look for jobs using LinkedIn, Indeed, etc. that pay in that range of your needed salary. The CPA exam is already stressful by itself. You need to get out of that toxic work environment. Your health is your wealth. If you share the major city that you are located near, I can give you a list of potential employers.

BEC = 79

AUD = 79

FAR = 84

REG = 86

Prayer + AICPA blueprints = my success

BEC = 72 (6/08/16)
FAR = ?
REG = ?
AUD = ?

[Missy]

look up your state laws on unemployment, in Massachusetts you can collect benefits if you quit due to a hostile work environment. Since you were ill and have likely seen a doctor about the stress it wouldn't be difficult to demonstrate.

Honestly if I had to wait tables or deliver pizzas I'd quit and do that. Later after you've passed the cpa you can explain you took a non related position to study for the exam.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Anonymous]

Sorry you have to deal with that Yu. I've tried to bring attention to matters like this to others in the past, but they don't believe that its possible for this type of behavior to exist in the accounting profession.

It is especially unfortunate to happen at a Big 4 office, but I have heard there are many people who behave this way and don't face any consequences for their behavior.

I've had to deal with toxic work environments in the past and there's not much you can do about it. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Try telling the Partner straight up “Is there a reason you have to do/say that to me? I am working very hard and trying to do a good job by focusing on my work.”

2. Since you are at a larger firm, you can request to transfer to another office. I was at a smaller firm and did not have this option, but if may work out very well for you.

3. Take advantage of any mentoring program or professional/leadership programs available. It could be an opportunity for you to speak out about bullying in the workplace and get advice.

4. I would even consider getting the bullying/harassment on video. For example, when you are in a public place, you can try recording the behavior discretely. Then you can use it to report him or as evidence to support an unemployment claim if you have to. (Try 1-3 first, and only 4 if you're absolutely ready to leave the company)

Your health is very important so be sure not to over work yourself and get the care you feel you need. I've known employees who have been fired for coming in late just days after having a baby, so sometimes there is just no compassion from the employer. It seems you have quite a bit of experience and are competent with accounting so I'm sure if you really wanted you could pass the exam and eventually find a work environment that is more fitting for you 🙂

[Williams]

Just leave. Simple as that. Do it after you sit for your next test, however if it's affecting you that much you might have to leave sooner. Robert Half can find you contracts, that's what i'm doing now. Contract work until I get my CPA. They wan't to find me a permanent position but I don't want to drop my anchor at a firm until I'm done studying, so I can give my new job my undivided attention.

AUD - 77
BEC - 86
FAR - 76
REG - NINJA in Training

AUD-77

BEC-74,86

FAR-74,76

REG-Q3 Score Pending

[Yahmon]

Just get the courage to quit and do it. I've been in accounting a little under 10 years and I've worked for 6 employers…yes 6! I've never been shy about leaving if I feel like its in MY best interest because as the employment contracts says “its at will and I can leave for any or no reason”. I'm a controller so believe me all it takes is courage and a belief in yourself that your skills and personality are good enough for any company and use that confidence to go get it!!

It's a job not the end of the world there are a lot more important things than a job such as your health. Once you have health you have everything money can't buy.

AUD - 85
BEC - 76
FAR - 79
REG - 84

 

 

 

FAR 8/20/15 - Passed 77
AUD 10/10/15 -
BEC TBD
REG TBD

[Sweet<3 soon to be CPA]

So happy to run into this post!

I am – or WAS – in the same position…. As of Oct 6th (after giving my two weeks notice) I left my job. I had spent six months with a condescending boss who made my life miserable. Before quitting I did everything I could – spoke to President of company, looked for jobs and tried to ignore it. I had NEVER done anything like this before and because I didn't overthink it this truly made me feel in my heart of hearts that it was the right decision.

I was miserable and it was taking toll on my life – on top of having to study for these exams and when my self worth was in question you know what that can do!. I was soooo unhappy, didn't want to study, eating unhealthy and just letting him get the best of me. Then something clicked – even through it all I managed to pass 3 of the 4 exams-I am almost at the finish line. I feel passionate about my working I give it my all. To have someone criticize it the way he did and demand me to do unethical things made unemployment even more intriguing. On top of it all he was jealous of my education and the fact I was getting my CPA (he wasn't one). He used this against me to ensure I didn't advance within the company. Then one day I just gave up after having a sit down with him and HR over our differences and I knew that the toxic environment was in was only going to change IF I did something to take myself out of the equation.

Here we are two weeks later and Let me tell you, I may be broke BUT I feel so much better not dealing with that abuse! I am using my free time to study for my last part of the CPA scheduled in December. I have a prospect position but I keep in mind that it can still go either way and to focus on what is most important currently with is the FAR exam.

We do not know what will happen tomorrow, next week or even next year but it is soooo important to do what is right for ourselves. Sure I get anxious at times, but I KNOW what I gave up (paycheck) and I KNOW what I still hold on to in pieces (dignity).

Best of Luck Yu0601 !!<3<3

BEC - Passed

REG - Passed

AUD - Passed

FAR - Passed

[Anonymous]

Sorry about your situation. It sounds really challenging and I commend you for staying strong.

I have struggled with depression and anxiety too, so know you are definitely not alone. Get the hell out of their if it becomes unbearable. Sue the bastard if he harasses you.

Goodluck my friend.

[Anonymous]

I just want to add a bit on why the “bullying” might be occurring:

1. Do you present yourself well? Dress clean, good posture, good communication, and friendly with your coworkers and clients, etc? If not, you might want to pay more attention to stuff like this.

2. Do you participate in meetings, conferences, or group activities at the office? It's a good idea to get out of your shell and chat with others in the office once in a while. You don't want to be the lone wolf that nobody really knows about or doesn't want to talk to.

3. Have you ever plugged in your phone to the work computer, downloaded work files onto a personal device, or connected to the network wi-fi? IT can usually tell whenever a device connects to the network or any of the work devices which is usually a big no-no. This can present data security issues and also put your own data at risk.

4. Do you leave passwords laying around or browse the internet and social media sites on work computers? These are also things you want to be sure NOT to do.

5. Is your work being completed under budget and thoroughly documented? You typically want to keep your utilization rate around 80-85%.

6. Take advantage of leadership opportunities. Many firms don't hand hold their employees past the Senior level and it us up to the employee to learn, perfect, and display the skills needed to be given a promotion and respect. Basically you can't wait around for someone to show you how to be a leader and promote you, you just have to do it.

Many super conservative cultures will use these bullying tactics on employees to signal that they are on the chopping block. It's like a pack of animals and they are picking on the “weakest link”. That is toxic behavior and poor management and what they really should be doing is learning and understanding your personality and explicitly correcting any issues to better help you succeed. Instead they will make it so you want to quit on your own terms or “step up” and use it as an opportunity to grow and enhance your performance.

These are just some possibilities based on my own observations and experience. Public accounting for anyone isn't exactly a place you want to make a long-term career out of anyway. Your goal is to get a few years of experience and then move on to something better where you will get better pay and work less hours.

[Anonymous]

Also you don't have to respond to this, but I would place money down and bet that you aren't white.

[Yu0601]

Thanks for the inputs everyone. Your advice is very much appreciated. My work is in International Tax and I am actually currently on what was supposed to be a 3 year overseas assignment post living in a city in Asia (previously was based on the US East Coast for 6 years). I went to this city 1 year ago and don't have many friends here, which is making the situation harder to deal with. This particular Partner has never lived overseas despite working in international tax and seemed to have issues of insecurity around people who speak English, he constantly said things like “don't think you are special just because you speak English”, “I am better than you though you may be from the US”, “women from the West have too much opinions and should keep their mouth shut” etc.

I have now worked out an agreement with the office to never work on an Assignment with this particular Partner again, however the office space is tiny and I see him walking around every day which is not pleasant. Colleagues were appalled by the Partner's behavior and offered words of sympathy but since he is Partner, nobody can do anything about it as the power balance is completely skewed in his favor.

After the incident I wanted to make the move back to my old office in the US, but due to internal HR issues there the process would take at least about a year. Friends told me to leave the country I am currently in and move back ASAP to interview with another firm, however I was so depressed I couldn't master up the energy to terminate my current apartment lease, find housing again in the US, etc, all the mundane things that need to be done to make the move. Physically I looked ill, and somehow I lost all self confidence and became fearful, the idea of interviewing or even travelling outside the country (things that I had done relatively well in the past) is overwhelming at the moment…

Though this office environment stopped making sense to me, accounting as a field always made sense to me and I enjoy the details, the concepts, the projects, I thought knocking out the 4 CPA exams would help gain my confidence back and in the meanwhile give me some time to heal physically, then I could make the move back to the US, with better confidence. The NINJA MCQs are very helpful, somehow I find concentrating on them soothing, they help to put my mind off the disturbing office culture and think about something productive.

Now I'm trying to study at least 2 hours per day on weekdays and the entire time on weekends without sliding back into depression. Trying to eat well, take Vitamin supplements, sleep at least 8 hours per day, anything that would help with health and sanity until I can make the move back. If anyone has ideas on small/incremental things that one could do daily to help with studying, it would be very much appreciated if you could share them. Really appreciate everyone's input, it means a lot to me.

[Yu0601]

Thanks for the inputs everyone. Your advice is very much appreciated. My work is in International Tax and I am actually currently on what was supposed to be a 3 year overseas assignment post living in a city in Asia (previously was based on the US East Coast for 6 years). I went to this city 1 year ago and don't have many friends here, which is making the situation harder to deal with. This particular Partner has never lived overseas despite working in international tax and seemed to have issues of insecurity around people who speak English, he constantly said things like “don't think you are special just because you speak English”, “I am better than you though you may be from the US”, “women from the West have too much opinions and should keep their mouth shut” etc.

I have now worked out an agreement with the office to never work on an Assignment with this particular Partner again, however the office space is tiny and I see him walking around every day which is not pleasant. Colleagues were appalled by the Partner's behavior and offered words of sympathy but since he is Partner, nobody can do anything about it as the power balance is completely skewed in his favor.

After the incident I wanted to make the move back to my old office in the US, but due to internal HR issues there the process would take at least about a year. Friends told me to leave the country I am currently in and move back ASAP to interview with another firm, however I was so depressed I couldn't master up the energy to terminate my current apartment lease, find housing again in the US, etc, all the mundane things that need to be done to make the move. Physically I looked ill, and somehow I lost all self confidence and became fearful, the idea of interviewing or even travelling outside the country (things that I had done relatively well in the past) is overwhelming at the moment…

Though this office environment stopped making sense to me, accounting as a field always made sense to me and I enjoy the details, the concepts, the projects, I thought knocking out the 4 CPA exams would help gain my confidence back and in the meanwhile give me some time to heal physically, then I could make the move back to the US, with better confidence. The NINJA MCQs are very helpful, somehow I find concentrating on them soothing, they help to put my mind off the disturbing office culture and think about something productive.

Now I'm trying to study at least 2 hours per day on weekdays and the entire time on weekends without sliding back into depression. Trying to eat well, take Vitamin supplements, sleep at least 8 hours per day, anything that would help with health and sanity until I can make the move back. If anyone has ideas on small/incremental things that one could do daily to help with studying, it would be very much appreciated if you could share them. Really appreciate everyone's input, it means a lot to me.

(Attempted to reply but post did not show up … 2nd attempt at posting)

[TommyTheCat]

Brick whats your deal with the race comment bro?

AUD - 85
BEC - 89
FAR - 91
REG - 97

[FutureCPA]

Yu0601, be encouraged and be empowered to move past this stage in your life. This will pass and when it does, you will be much stronger. Through this, be mindful that life is more than our accolades, accomplishments, titles, etc. Focus on other areas that are going really good in your life right now.

With regards to the exam, some people use their hardship as an encouragement to study more. They get their kind busy with all the topics and the study techniques. I have met several people that passed the exam after their parents died or something tragically happened in their life. They use the the pain as strength. Maybe you can do the same.

We will all be cheering for you and can’t wait to read your “I passed” post.

AUD - 73,
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

Giving up is not an option.

The question is not whether I will be a CPA or not, the question is when will I become a CPA.

I need to pass before busy season.

[Anonymous]

@Tommy, it's true. Accounting is one of the most, if not THE most conservative industry. Quite possibly the least diversified in terms of race until recent years. Correlation does not necessarily mean causation, but there is definitely a high correlation.

Most of the education system is highly liberal though so fresh grads and the incredibly naive will not see it however once you get out in the professional world when there is $ on the table, the discrimination is real. But that's not what this discussion is about, just wanted to point out the possibility and reality of the industry.

[Author]

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